This is a movie I wanted to see, but time was running out in Panama City and I thought I would just have to see it later.  Then my dad called and said “Let’s go see it”  It is rare for my dad to initiate movie-going, so my mom and I were already in the car, warming it up.  This time we headed to the new Carmike, which is an ok theater.  No stadium seating but decent screens.

The movie lived up to the previews.  It is based on a true story and true events.  In an interview my dad heard before the movie, Tom Hanks actually downplayed the character’s liveliness; if that is the case, I can not imagine what the real man is like.  The casting was good, story and pacing was good, and time flew by.  The movie also does well to point out how certain decisions made in the 80’s had an effect on what happened to us this decade.

My advice: Go out and see this movie.  Party affiliation should be left at the door, as they did with the subject matter.

As you know, my mom is the reason for my love of movies, so it should be no surprise that she and I went to one on Sunday.  Whenever I am around, she will have me go with her when my dad does not want to see something.  Case in Point: Sweeney Todd, a horror musical.

I am not a big fan of blood and gore, as Spaldy would attest to (and tease me about).  I do enjoy watching the efforts of Tim Burton and Johnny Depp.  So off to the Regency we go.  The Regency is slightly run-down, but it holds many good memories for me: my first date with a girl while watching Ferris Beuller; my first experience with 3-D; and seeing Clash of the Titans first run.  So I cut it a lot of slack for being 26 years old.

Not surprisingly, the theater is fairly empty for the 4:30 show.  We settle down and I agree to help my mom know when to open her eyes after the gory parts are done.

The movie is visually well-done, as I have come to expect from Tim Burton.  Depp and Helena Bonham Carter turn in wonderful performances, with Alan Rickman doing well as usual.  That said, there was no “oomph” factor for me.  The story was ok, the blood expected as well as the singing.  While there was an ending, you are left wondering what was the purpose of telling this particular story.

Am I glad I saw it? Yes.

Will I see it again?  Probably not.

My advice: If you love the people involved and you like gory movies, then definitely see this.  Otherwise, save the money and catch it later.

Christmas 2007 had me traveling back to the budding metropolis of Panama City, FL, to spend time with the parents.  Naturally, as with all holidays or days ending in “Y”, we saw movies.

First up was National Treasure: Book of Secrets.

I saw the first one and enjoyed it for reasons I will discuss later.   My parents enjoyed the first one as well, so it was a no-brainer as a first selection for us to see.

We decided to go out to the beach to see it, which if you know my parents, is a miracle unto itself.  Thankfully they let me drive so I was able to get through most of the traffic easily.  The theater was called The Grand and not affiliated with any chain, which is odd in this day and age.  Decent enough concessions and stadium seating, so it was nice.

The movie picks up some time after the first one ended.  We see familiar faces from the first one as we are presented with a new puzzle:  Was the Gates family responsible for the assassination  of President Lincoln?  From this premise, we are taken on a world-wide trek ending at Mount Rushmore, much like North By Northwest.

Was the movie enjoyable?  Yes, as long as you took it at face value and did not try to set it in reality.  Most of the original cast returns, with some good additions.  Story is thin, but with Bruckheimer and Cage, you are looking for a roller-coaster, not  The Godfather.

One thing that kept nagging me was how much the movie stole from a reality show.  In 2005, after the first movie came out at Christmas 2004, NBC did a reality show called Treasure Hunters.  This show involved doing some of the same things that the new movie does, right down to the locations of Paris and Mount Rushmore and WHY they were at each.  You would think the movie could do better.

My advice: Catch it on the big screen if you want to have fun, but do not worry if you miss it.